Podcasts about grow your agency

In this episode, we sit down with Emanuel Kamau, a powerhouse entrepreneur, networker, and sales expert who has navigated some of the highest-growth spaces in the digital business and fintech world. From his roots in Kenya to managing an army of 50 SDRs during a massive growth phase at Grow Your Agency, Emanuel shares the exact operational shifts, scaling levers, and strategic content plays that took a community from 100,000 to over 4 million subscribers. We also pull back the curtain on the world of Financial Technology (Fintech). Emanuel breaks down how top service-based businesses use "transaction float" and alternative capital structures to solve cash flow bottlenecks and fuel explosive business growth. Whether you are looking to build a bulletproof network, optimize your corporate credit structures, or learn how to scale an agency from the ground up, you will want to grab a pen and take notes on this conversation! If hiring a VA for extra leverage is on your radar, pick a time directly on our calendar: https://bit.ly/4wJR9WA #GrowYourAgency #AgencyScaling #SalesLeadership #CommunityGrowth #CorporateCredit #CashFlowManagement #AlternativeFinancing #BusinessScaling

Why do some recruitment agencies collapse when the market turns, while others keep growing? Gerard Koolen has lived through three major crises: the 2008 financial crash, COVID-19, and the war in Ukraine. Each time, his recruitment business didn't just survive. It grew. In this episode of _The Resilient Recruiter,_ Gerard explains why growth in tough markets has nothing to do with working harder. It comes down to how your agency is built. Gerard is the founder of Lugera, a recruitment agency with 11 offices, over 500 employees, and €243 million in annual revenue. Instead of relying on a single service line, he built what he calls an *“all-seasons service portfolio”* with eight revenue streams. When permanent hiring slowed, outplacement surged. When clients froze recruitment, other services took over. We break down exactly how the model works, why most agencies monetise only 0.2% of their candidate database, and how technology allowed Gerard to replace the work of 30 people with one part-time role. If you're a recruitment agency owner or search firm leader who wants a business that can grow in any market, this episode will challenge how you think about revenue, systems, and resilience. What you'll learn in this episode: * Why Lugera grew 20% during the 2008 recession * What an “all-seasons service portfolio” looks like in practice * Why most agencies monetise only 0.2% of their candidates * How eight revenue streams reduce risk and smooth cash flow * Why your ATS may be limiting your growth without you realising * How automation replaced 30 staff with one part-time role * Why outplacement becomes powerful when hiring stops Timestamps:00:00 Why some agencies grow in any market Chapters 00:00:00 Growing through the 2008 financial crisis 00:05:53 The all-seasons service portfolio 00:08:01 Monetising the 99% of candidates you never place 00:14:34 The real cost of building the technology 00:19:42 Why most ATS platforms restrict growth 00:27:02 Doubling placements without doubling effort 00:31:33 Turning outplacement into a €1M revenue stream 00:45:25 Automated outreach that converts job ads into leads SponsorThis episode is brought to you by *Recruiterflow.* Recruiterflow is an AI-first ATS and CRM built to help recruitment businesses run and scale more efficiently. It combines ATS, CRM, sequencing, data enrichment, marketing automation, and AI agents in one platform. Many leaders in our coaching community rely on Recruiterflow to streamline operations and improve execution. Learn more or request a demo at *recruitmentcoach.com/recruiterflow*

Why do some recruitment agencies collapse during recessions while others keep growing? Gerard Koolen has watched his business expand through three major crises: the 2008 financial collapse, COVID-19, and the war in Ukraine. Each time, Lugera grew. Not by working harder, but by building the business differently. Gerard is the founder of Lugera, a recruitment agency with 11 offices, over 500 employees, and €243 million in annual revenue. Operating across a region tested by economic downturns and geopolitical instability, his firm has been forced to adapt repeatedly. Instead of relying on a single revenue stream, Gerard built what he calls an “all-seasons service portfolio.” Over time, Lugera developed eight distinct revenue streams. When permanent hiring slowed, outplacement surged. When clients froze recruitment, other services stepped in. One stream compensated for another, keeping the business resilient when markets turned. That approach created a new problem. Managing eight revenue streams manually nearly broke the company. Gerard invested 10 years and €2.2 million in building technology to automate work that once required a team of 30 people. Today, one part-time employee handles what used to take an entire department. In this episode, Gerard breaks down how the model works. He explains how to monetise the 99% of candidates most agencies never place, why traditional ATS systems quietly limit growth, and how outplacement can become a counter-cyclical revenue stream. If you want to build a recruitment business that grows through uncertainty instead of being crushed by it, this conversation will change how you think about revenue, technology, and resilience. What you'll learn: Why Lugera grew 20% during the 2008 recession What an “all-seasons service portfolio” looks like in practice Why most agencies monetise only 0.2% of their candidate database How eight revenue streams reduce risk and smooth volatility Why your ATS may be capping your growth without you realising How automation replaced 30 staff with one part-time role Why does outplacement generate revenue when hiring stops Episode highlights: [03:30] Growing during the 2008 recession [05:53] The all-seasons service portfolio [08:01] Monetising the 99% of candidates you never place [14:34] The real cost of building the technology [19:42] Why most ATS platforms restrict growth [27:02] Doubling placements without doubling effort [31:33] Turning outplacement into a €1M revenue stream [45:25] Automated outreach that converts job ads into leads Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Recruiterflow. Recruiterflow is an AI-first ATS and CRM built to help recruitment businesses run and scale more efficiently. It combines ATS, CRM, sequencing, data enrichment, marketing automation, and AI agents in one platform. Many leaders in our coaching community rely on Recruiterflow to streamline operations and improve execution. Learn more or request a demo at recruitmentcoach.com/recruiterflow Guest Bio Gerard Koolen is the founder of Lugera, a recruitment and staffing agency with 11 offices across Eastern Europe, over 500 employees, and €243 million in annual revenue. After investing 10 years and €2.2 million developing proprietary AI matching technology, Gerard created the Recruitment Revenue Platform to help recruitment agencies build multiple revenue streams beyond traditional placement fees. This is Gerard's third appearance on The Resilient Recruiter. Connect with Gerard LinkedIn: Gerard Koolen Website: lugera.com Recruitment Revenue Platform: recruitmentrevenueplatform.com Special offer: Get 100 free credits plus personal onboarding at recruitmentcoach.com/staa Connect with Mark Free strategy session: recruitmentcoach.com/strategy-session LinkedIn: Mark Whitby Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

Grow Your Estate Agency with Authentic Content – Insights from Adam Day. Want to raise your agency's profile and attract more clients? Adam Day, UK supremo of eXp, reveals how over 700 estate agents have used authentic storytelling, personal video, and targeted direct mail to win business without expensive campaigns. Hear why local content like “Street of the Week” builds trust, how stepping outside your comfort zone fuels growth, and why creativity is the ultimate game changer in today's property market.

#172 Fernando Rojas Sanchez is the CMO of DaBoost a strategic white-label agency. In other words, he and his team help support other agencies. It's a smart business model. And in this episode Fernando and Pat go deep into how this works and the advantages of using an agency like DaBoost. Plus a whole lot of other good things.  Timestamp   Topic / Key Moment 00:00 Intro & Background  02:00 Agency Model – Why DaBoost focuses on other agencies as clients; benefits of white-label services. 04:30 Challenges for Small Agencies – Peaks and valleys, staffing strain, cultural impact on morale. 06:00 Target Niche – Serving growing, small, or “mom & pop” agencies who need a full marketing team in the back office. 08:15 Agency Life: Mexico vs. US – Differences in tech adoption, client values, and work culture. 14:30 Geographic Footprint – Offices in Dallas, Milwaukee, and Merida; expansion strategy. 16:45 Operations Across Countries – Creating clear processes and retaining long-term team members. 19:00 Full Service vs. Specialization – Differences between US and Mexico agency models; why DaBoost offers a broad service mix. 22:00 Core Services – PPC, branding, content generation as bread-and-butter. 23:15 Dental Group Case Study – 43% boost in bookings 26:00 White-Label Relationships – Acting as the “front” or “back office” for partner agencies. 29:00 Building Trust – Positioning as a service provider, not a competitor; “we make your business our business.” 31:00 Onboarding Process – One-week agency audit; seamless integration. 33:00 AI Perspective – Use AI for process optimization, not creative generation; risks of overuse and sameness. 36:15 Global Marketing Insights – What works in Mexico but not the US (personal trust, in-person business) and vice versa. 42:00 A Day in the Life – Time-blocking, KPIs (3 events/week, 2 orgs, 2 new contacts). 45:30 Cultural Differences – Milwaukee/Wisconsin vs. Mexico City and Merida business environments. 47:00 Future of Agencies – Move toward vendor-based execution teams; rise of small agencies. 50:00 Specialization vs. Generalization – Current choice to remain open to all verticals; long-term vision. 53:30 Final Plug – How to connect with Fernando and DaBoost online. Get in touch with Fernando here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernandorojassanchez/ Check out DaBoost here: https://da-boost.com/ Connect with Pat here: pmcgovern@ascedia.com   Oh before you go, please do us a favor. Take a minute and leave us a review. That's the energy that powers this supertanker!  Thanks, you're the best! Want more marketing insights? Take a look at our full lineup. This podcast is sponsored by Ascedia. A web development and digital strategy agency helping clients win in the digital space.

In this conversation, Matt Waxman shares his journey from a marketing major to a successful figure in the insurance industry, discussing his experiences in hospitality, insurance claims, and marketing. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the property market, particularly in challenging areas like Florida and Texas, and offers valuable advice for agents navigating these tough times. The discussion also touches on the evolution of his company, Alchemy Insurance Solutions, and the opportunities within the builders risk space. In this conversation, Matt Waxman and Heath Shearon delve into the complexities of Builders Risk insurance and the emerging cannabis insurance market. They discuss the importance of building strong relationships with underwriters, understanding client needs, and the necessity of educating producers on these specialized insurance products. The dialogue emphasizes the need for agents to develop pipelines for Builders Risk and the lucrative opportunities within the cannabis sector, highlighting the evolving nature of these industries and the role of Alchemy Insurance Solutions in providing comprehensive coverage solutions.takeawaysMatt Waxman has a diverse background in marketing, hospitality, and insurance.He transitioned from a marketing major to a career in insurance after exploring various fields.Waxman emphasizes the importance of building relationships in the builders risk market.The property market presents challenges, but also opportunities for agents willing to adapt.Alchemy Insurance Solutions focuses on solving pain points in the insurance market.Understanding the needs of clients is crucial for success in insurance.Waxman encourages agents to prepare thoroughly when submitting risks to underwriters.Flexibility in underwriting is essential in today's property market.The builders risk space can lead to long-term relationships with clients.Agents should not give up on finding coverage solutions for their clients. The likelihood of declination increases without proper partnerships.Understanding Builders Risk is crucial for effective insurance solutions.Building relationships with underwriters is essential for agents.Providing detailed information to underwriters enhances approval chances.Agents must sell both to clients and carriers effectively.The cannabis insurance market presents significant opportunities.Education and webinars are vital for agents to succeed in niche markets.Direct access to underwriters fosters better communication and solutions.Agents should be transparent about their knowledge in niche markets.The insurance landscape is evolving, requiring adaptability from agents.05:52Matt Waxman's Journey to Insurance10:32Cornerstone to Alchemy: Evolution of a Company18:00Navigating the Property Market Challenges20:06Advice for Agents in a Tough Market21:54Navigating the Builders Risk Landscape28:10Understanding the Role of Underwriters32:32Building a Pipeline for Builders Risk35:53Exploring the Cannabis Insurance Market40:07The Science Behind Cannabis Insurance45:53Alchemy Insurance Solutions: A Comprehensive OverviewMy amazing Sponsors;Smart ChoiceCanopy ConnectOlde School Marketing 

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Would you consider a merger or acquisition as a growth strategy? What does it look like to acquire another agency? How can you ensure success for the buyer, seller, and existing clients? Today's featured guest demonstrates how this approach can be highly effective when executed thoughtfully. He started his agency after realizing he would never get the recognition he deserved while working for somebody else, which drove him to establish his own agency where he now thrives. Recently, he expanded through the strategic acquisition of three agencies, focusing primarily on their client portfolios. His acquisition strategy emphasizes the importance of relationship continuity, specifically seeking arrangements where previous owners remain involved during the transition period, allowing his team to gradually build trust with the inherited client base. Learn from his valuable insights on entrepreneurship and the strategic use of acquisitions for agency growth. Luke Szkudlarek is a founding partner of What., a Zurich-based consultancy and growth hacking group focused on helping SMEs and startups with growth, digitalization, and product development. He'll share the pivotal moment that sparked his decision to pursue entrepreneurship after an encounter with his boss, highlighting the importance of ownership and recognition in the workplace. In this episode, we'll discuss: Spotting trends that lead to agency success. The mind shift needed to break the glass ceiling on growth. Using agency acquisition as a growth strategy. Ensuring a smooth merger and acquisition for agency clients. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. How a Dismissive Boss Sparked an Agency Journey Luke's entrepreneurial journey began in Zurich with what seemed like a straightforward 'easy' role helping an agency acquire new clients. As he sharpened his skills he soon started working with giants like Nestle and Victoria Knox. After closing a few lucrative deals, Luke approached his employer about receiving company shares as compensation for his valuable contributions. His boss's dismissive response—offering a spa treatment instead of equity—became a key moment in his career. Rather than viewing this as a setback, he recognized it as a sign that it was time to venture out on his own. Confident in his ability to attract and maintain relationships with major clients, he started to plan his next move with a colleague. Six months later they were ready to start building their own business. Spotting Trends as the Secret to Early Success While many startup agencies start out relying on referrals, Luke attributes his success to an ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market trends. Firstly, he benefitted from starting out in a market where growth hacking was still relatively unknown, allowing his firm to establish itself as a pioneer in its niche. Rather than simply focusing on website visibility, they differentiated themselves by creating valuable digital assets for their clients. Luke was also quick to spot the benefits of having a hybrid team, which gave him access to talent from all over the world. It also allowed him to undercut the competition with lower prices, and he had a hybrid structure already set when the pandemic hit. Furthermore, while many agencies still thought that working with startups was a waste of money, Luke focused only on these businesses. Bigger agencies had no interest in working with a $50,000-$60,000 budget, but it was just what his agency needed to start building their brand. This led to many obscure projects, but as one of few agencies working with startups it was pretty easy to jump from an initial project to a much larger one and opportunities to build relationships with investors. Outsourcing Tasks as a Strategic Growth Plan One of the critical decisions that significantly influenced his agency's growth was delegating administrative tasks. Neither Luke nor his partner are very fond of admin work and didn't want any part of the invoicing. However the invoicing process is a fundamental one in an agency and a focus when it came to a basis for success. They recognized their strengths lay in selling and project delivery, not in repetitive administrative work so that was the first choice when it came to start hiring to delegate. This approach is about more than offloading work, it is a strategic decision with significant advantages. By outsourcing administrative tasks, it frees up valuable time and resources, enabling founders and key team members to focus on strategic planning, client engagement, and product development. The Mind Shift to Break the Glass Ceiling to Real Growth Many founders find themselves trapped after hitting a glass ceiling, unsure of how to break through to the next level. You need a fundamental mindset shift before you can get past this stage. This mindset shift requires you understand that growth is not solely about increasing revenue or expanding service offerings. Instead, it requires a clear vision and the ability to communicate that vision effectively to the entire team. Founders must ask themselves not just where they want to go, but how to empower their teams to make decisions that align with that vision. Moreover, it's about hiring strategically to build a team that can take the agency further than you can done by yourself, while also working on improving yourself to set the vision and be the face of the agency. Luke has recently started working with coaches to get inspiration and it has made a big different in his goal of getting to the next level. Acquisition as an Agency Growth Strategy By now, Luke's agency has acquired three other agencies and continues to learn about these transactions. All three processes were different, with the first one being a merger with an agency that initially came in as a strategic partner and the last two being more asset purchases focused on their client portfolios. According to Luke, it's quite difficult to convince Swiss clients to leave their agency, even if you present an opportunity to save them a lot of money because personal relationships often hold more sway than the merits of a compelling pitch or a well-crafted campaign. Consequently, it's easier in his view to acquire the portfolios to start a relationship with those companies. This approach not only facilitates expansion but also enhances the value proposition offered to clients, ultimately driving profitability and market presence. How to Ensure a Smooth M&A Transition for Agency Clients In agency acquisitions, understanding the seller's post-sale intentions is crucial for establishing a successful transition. Try to get a clear response of what they're hoping to get from the sale. Do they want to completely separate themselves from the agency and do something else? Do they prefer staying and focus on sales and growth? Or maybe focus on profitability and growth? There are scenarios where each of those options could work but there needs to be a clear understanding from the beginning for it to work for both parties. Luke's approach to acquisitions specifically acknowledges the relationship-based nature of agency businesses. He personally prefers for the founders to stay for a while as he works to earn clients' trust. If a seller walks away immediately, the client list becomes worthless since their relationship is with the previous owner. Until the trust is built, it's best to keep sellers on board. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

In this episode of the Ridiculously Amazing Insurance Agent Podcast, we discuss When to Get an Insurance Producer? and how this key decision can help grow your agency!

Didn't get as much time off as you wanted this Christmas / NY break? Then it probably feels like you can't grow.  Like there's never enough profit. You need to oversee everything, You need to check all the work. Or … clients won't get results.  Clients will be mad. Clients will leave. You won't even have a business anymore.  If that's where you're at... The truth is, you're the bottleneck that's keeping you small.  Ouch.  The other truth is, there is a way to grow without sacrificing your profit, the quality, your clients OR your sanity.  Tune in to learn how.  WANT MORE? Connect on Instagram: http://instagram.com/anneliseworn Book a free Strategy Call: http://anneliseworn.com/consult Looking for easy to use, all in one marketing software? Claim your free 10 day trial of Freeceo here: http://freeceo.tech  

What's the secret to building a high-caliber, close-knit team as your agency grows?Growing an agency isn't just about increasing numbers; it's about expanding in ways that keep your team engaged, connected, and performing at their best.In this episode, we dive into building a strong, scalable culture that keeps your team driven and purpose-focused.I'm joined by Victoria Gray, COO of Conversion Digital, a boutique agency that's doubled in size under her leadership while maintaining a high-performing, purpose-driven vibe. We'll cover:Three core principles that help keep a team connected, aligned, and motivated as you grow.A unique 'growth committee' model that connects employees with multiple leaders for mentorship, fostering shared purpose and top performance.And how to empower your team to make impactful decisions without constant oversight.If you're looking to build a dynamic, motivated team, this episode is full of practical tips to help you grow while staying true to your agency's core values. Let's dive in."Show LinksLinkedIn: Victoria GrayConversion Digital: conversiondigital.caAccess our network designed for agency owners to get more consistent referrals, connections and collaborations. Agency Together can save you time and help you build a network that gets you the clients you want to work with. And don't forget the free Agency Together Newsletter.Join hundreds of agency owners receiving insights about growing and leading a small – less than 50 people – mighty agency. Try the free newsletter.Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I'll see you on the next one. Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep114Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

In our new interview, Stefan Sagmeister legendary designer, typographer and co-founder of Sagmeister & Walsh shares thoughts on the evolution of his career, design agencies and creative process. Watch the full interview to hear more about:

Do you need guidance in your agency journey? Could a coach be the game changer your agency needs? Maybe so, but maybe not. Many agency owners naturally turn to a coach for support and growth advice. And, while coaches excel at addressing specific challenges, their impact often plateaus after a few months due to the inherent limitations of single-perspective coaching. Today's featured guest is our scale specialist who has closely observed the growth trajectories of numerous mastermind members. Through his unique vantage point, he's witnessed how the most valuable exchanges often occur organically — outside of scheduled meetings — when members freely share experiences and insights. These connections flourish during in-person events, where authentic relationships take root. He sees the way these relationships foster trust and create a dynamic environment for growth that transcends what any single “business coach” provides. As Agency Scale Specialist on our team, Darby Copenhaver regularly meets with all our members and connects with them at our in-person events. He sees just how much those events make a difference in the ways which members engages with the community. The live events foster the community element so each member receives guidance and advice for their particular challenges while also having fun and connecting with peers in a way they wouldn't if stuck in a conference room all day. This conversation highlights the difference between what agency owners think they need and the actual support they might benefit from. In this episode, we'll discuss: The limitations of 1:1 coaching for agency growth. 3 benefits of an agency owner community. The power of in-person connection for professional growth. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Why Coaching Alone Isn't Enough to Scale Your Agency One of the challenges of scaling past a certain point is the vision you need to get there often necessitates some outside help. At this point, most agency owners figure they need a “coach” to get them to the next stage of growth. This is undoubtedly the right approach for many people. However, while coaching can provide valuable insights and strategies, there are inherent limitations that come with relying solely on individual coaches. As many agency owners find out, coaching has a finite perspective. Despite the expertise and experience of a coach, their ability to offer solutions is ultimately constrained by their unique viewpoint. Darby and Jason agree, coaching has a very important role in addressing specific business challenges. Coaches bring a wealth of experience and knowledge instrumental in helping agency owners navigate obstacles. A coach can provide tailored strategies, accountability, and a sounding board for ideas, — all incredibly beneficial, especially for those who are just starting or facing particular hurdles. Each coach has their own set of experiences, beliefs, and methodologies that inform their approach. While this individuality can lead to innovative solutions, it also means that the coach's insights are inherently limited to their own understanding of the industry and the challenges faced by agency owners. In light of these limitations, Darby advises agency owners to seek a more diversified array of resources and perspectives. Relying solely on a single coach creates an echo chamber, where ideas and strategies become repetitive and lack the innovation necessary for sustained growth. Instead, they should consider leveraging a combination of coaching, peer support, and community engagement. 3 Main Benefits of an Agency Owner Community Agency owners are always navigating an industry that is both highly competitive and ever-evolving. Often this leads to them feeling isolated in their role as the leaders who set the vision and direction for the agency. In this sense, few things make as much difference as connection among peers to foster a sense of belonging and understanding. Community: When agency owners come together—whether at events, workshops, or informal gatherings—they create a community that transcends individual experiences. This connection aspect is vital as it allows members to share their stories, challenges, and triumphs, support one another and encourage vulnerability and authenticity. This open exchange of experiences cultivates an environment where each owner feels heard and valued, setting the stage for deeper insights and learning. Clarity: A natural byproduct of these connections is clarity. When agency owners engage with one another, they can step back from their daily grind and gain fresh perspectives on their challenges. This clarity is not merely about understanding their business metrics; it encompasses a broader awareness of their goals, values, and the strategies needed to achieve them. Confidence: Along with clarity and insights from community, owners gain a sense of purpose and a plan. While plans may not be foolproof, having a framework—shaped by collective wisdom—significantly increases the likelihood of success: Simply put, camaraderie can embolden individuals to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and ultimately pursue their unique definitions of success. The Power of In-Person Connection in Professional Growth The importance of in-person connections cannot be overstated. While technology has enabled us to connect with others across vast distances, it is in-person experiences that often lead to deeper bonds and a sense of community, as mastermind members have been able to see during our annual events. In a mastermind setting, such as Agency Mastery, monthly virtual meetings offer valuable insights through structured calls focused on topics relevant to all members. However, Darby sees the most meaningful connections emerge outside the formal meetings, when members take their conversations offline and share personal stories. These initial bonds then strengthen significantly during our in-person events. Members consistently highlight the relationship-building aspects of these face-to-face gatherings are what they value most. These events provide a unique space for personalized feedback and collaborative growth among successful agency owners. Rather than being confined to conference rooms, the Agency Mastery team incorporate engaging activities like horseback riding, allowing members to connect authentically while enjoying themselves away from the usual distractions of phones, clients, and daily business challenges. The success of these events largely stems from our careful approach to group composition. By maintaining small, exclusive groups and setting high standards for both business achievement and cultural fit, Jason and team have created a tight-knit community of professionals who genuinely support each other's growth and success. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Mastering Insurance Agency Profits: How Agency CFO Can Help You Win!

“If you don't have a meaningful conversation and are just an order taker, you will be replaced by a robot.” – Matt MoriartyWhat's in this episode:Reflecting on Early MistakesShifting Mindsets: People as InvestmentsBuilding Systems & Training ProgramsLeveraging Past Experiences for Agency SuccessProtection Over Price: Establishing a Value-Driven CultureThe Importance of Storytelling in SalesMarket Shifts & Pivoting for SuccessDiversifying Your Agency: Adapting for Market ChangesRapid Fire RoundStrategies for Commercial LeadsFinal Advice: Stay Positive and Focus on GrowthIn this episode of The Insurance Buzz, we sit down with elite agency owner Matt Moriarty to dive deep into the keys to insurance success, from lessons learned through early mistakes to strategies for thriving in today's market. Matt shares how his mindset shift from seeing employees as a cost to an investment transformed his business, the importance of team-building, and why investing in training is critical for long-term success.We also discuss how to navigate tough market conditions, the power of pivoting in a rapidly changing insurance landscape, and how to focus on protection instead of price. Whether you're a new agent or an established business owner, Matt's wisdom will inspire and equip you to scale your agency effectively.

"Clarity is not the natural state of things. It is a discipline that we have to build into ourselves and into our organizations to create clarity for the team. The outcome is well worth it."In this episode of Agency Journey, Kuba talks with Gray about the importance of clarity in agency leadership and operations. Gray emphasizes that clarity is a form of kindness—it reduces anxiety, builds trust, and allows team members to make better decisions aligned with the company's vision.If you're struggling with unclear processes, misunderstandings in your team, or a lack of focus in your agency's direction, this episode will arm you with practical advice on how to bring more clarity to your organization.Episode Insights:

Shane and Tonya discuss the right timing and strategies for growth and how to expand your team while preserving the personalized service your clients love. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the pros and cons of using LinkedIn for agency growth and professional engagement. They touch upon the challenges of spam and overautomation, and emphasize the importance of personalized, thoughtful interactions. They also share strategies for repurposing content, such as tailoring blog posts to different audiences when posting on LinkedIn. They address the increased use of LinkedIn direct messages for networking and provide insights on effective commenting. Additionally, they briefly discuss the appropriateness of political posts on LinkedIn and recommend focusing on values rather than partisan views. Key takeaways Gini Dietrich: “Writing LinkedIn comments that are thoughtful and interesting are going to be so much more effective than having AI summarize the content for you and write the comment. Please don’t do that.” Chip Griffin: “LinkedIn works best like most social platforms when you’re being genuine and and authentic.” Gini Dietrich: “If you’re going to produce new content on LinkedIn, I love the idea of testing out a topic or an idea. Or repurpose other content, and you really only have to do something once a week.” Chip Griffin: “LinkedIn direct messages should be from one human to another human. Period. Stop.” Related How agencies can get the most out of LinkedIn (featuring Chuck Hester) How agencies can use LinkedIn ads to grow their businesses (featuring Anthony Blatner) The future of events and other agency biz dev tactics View Transcript The following is a computer-generated transcript. Please listen to the audio to confirm accuracy. Chip Griffin: Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Agency Leadership Podcast. I’m Chip Griffin. Gini Dietrich: And I’m Gini Dietrich. Chip Griffin: And Gini, you know, I think maybe I’ll just start sending you direct messages on LinkedIn from now on. That’s the only way I’ll communicate with you. Gini Dietrich: Awesome. Well, that’s one way. Chip Griffin: It’s one way. Gini Dietrich: I might not get back to you immediately. Chip Griffin: The problem is, I was going to say, if you respond to me, I probably will not see, cause I get so much spam in my LinkedIn direct messages that I very rarely actually look at them. And usually as soon as I do, I will tell whoever legitimate is reaching out to me that I do want to talk to. Here’s my email address. Send me an email. We can, we can pick it up over there. Cause you’ll get a much more timely response. Gini Dietrich: Do you accept all LinkedIn connection requests? Chip Griffin: I do not. Gini Dietrich: Okay. Chip Griffin: I used years ago I used to do that, but then I got flooded with just a bunch of junk and, and nowadays so many spammers are, I mean, just obvious spammers are many are trying to connect many. So at this point, I, I’m looser than I used to be in that I don’t only connect with people who I actually know. I will also connect with agency owners, for example, if they’re, they appear to be, you know, operating a legitimate agency and not one who’s trying to spam me. Sometimes I guess wrong. And then all of a sudden I’ve opened up my inbox to nonsensical pitches, but most of the time I’m pretty good at guessing. So yeah, it’s tough. LinkedIn is a great platform, and these days it’s one of the few where you can actually communicate professionally because X/Twitter has sort of, well, not sort of, it has deteriorated. It’s become sort of a little bit of business and lots of cesspool. Gini Dietrich: Definitely a dumpster fire. Chip Griffin: So, you know, as useful as it used to be, it is not useful today. So I thought it’d be helpful if we talked about LinkedIn and, and thought about how are agencies using it? How can agencies use it? Not so much on behalf of their clients, but on behalf of themselves, growing their business, learning, all that kind of thing. And, and I think there are some do’s and don’ts. I think we can share some things from our experience that we’ve seen work and that we have seen not work so much and things that frankly irritate us. We’ll, we’ll certainly mix those things in. Gini Dietrich: Of course, because we’re not us without it. Chip Griffin: Yeah. I mean, if we didn’t complain about something, people, people would think that they were listening to a different podcast. So plenty of plenty of whine with this episode. Gini Dietrich: Plenty of whine. We love to whine. You know, there was actually a Spin Sucks community discussion about this. And somebody had posted, are you using LinkedIn in a way that’s different from your content on the blog or is it the same? And I think it started a really nice conversation because I think, you know, to our tagline, it depends, right? You know, for me, I do use the same content, but what I do is I, I write first for PR firm or PR professionals, communicators, because that’s our target audience on the Spin Sucks side. And so that’s, that’s who I write for first. But then when I repost usually about two months later to LinkedIn. I rejigger the content to be focused on the business leader. So while I might talk about with a PR professional, I might talk about the things that you should do to prepare your CEO to speak out on politics or to take a stance on their values. I’ll rejigger that content so that it’s to the business leader to talk about here are the things that you should be thinking about. So it’s, I don’t have to do a complete rewrite, but I do have to switch it up a little bit to be more focused on the audience there. I have seen some like Martin Waxman and Andy Crestodina. They both create content for their blogs and then just do a complete repurpose on LinkedIn. Same day that it’s published to the blog, it’s publishes to LinkedIn and it’s the same content. Different audiences, maybe not the same subscribers. There might be some overlap, but I think that they’re just doing a complete, complete, like just copy and paste essentially. So I think there are pros and cons and it depends on your audiences, right? If your audience for the blog is the same as the audience in LinkedIn, then that probably makes sense. But if it’s not, then you should think about who your audience is for both places. Chip Griffin: Yeah, I think sometimes it can make sense to split them even if it is a similar audience because then you can have an opportunity to have another bite at the apple, right? So if you post to your blog and someone is busy that week or on vacation or something like that, And then you post in on LinkedIn, you know, three, four weeks later or a month or two later. Well, now, now they’ve, they’ve got another opportunity to see it. So I, I think personally that there is some value in splitting out content. The place where I don’t do that is with my newsletter. So with, with my email newsletter, I do match that with LinkedIn. Usually LinkedIn is a little bit delayed by half a day or so, from the, the email. Honestly, that’s more because I post manually to LinkedIn and we’ve, scheduled with email so so that timing really depends on what my day looks like on Fridays when I when I post it and occasionally I don’t get to it doesn’t go up till Saturday because it’s a manual post. But you know, I do think that repurposing content in some fashion is beneficial. The other thing that I do is I will test things on LinkedIn. So I will, I will write a shorter version or something that I’m thinking about writing a longer piece on and just kind of throw it out there, see if it gets any reaction. If it doesn’t get any, that doesn’t, doesn’t mean necessarily I won’t pursue it, but if it gets a strong reaction lots of feedback, then it makes it much more likely I, I bubble it up higher in my queue to do a full article on. Gini Dietrich: That’s a really good idea. That’s, that’s a good best practice. I think for agencies. There are some people who are doing a really nice job there. I think, you know, there it, There are some that I started out thinking they were doing a nice job, but then it got to be overwhelming because it was multiple times a day or at least daily, which I think is too much because the algorithm isn’t like the other places where it’s showing you people you don’t know. The algorithm on LinkedIn is still showing you people, you know, which is great. Or people that you follow, which is great. That’s, that’s what it should do. But it also gives you content from those same people. Quite a lot. And you’re just the, every time you, every time I open LinkedIn, there’s one person there all the time. Like you’re smart, but I don’t need to see you 25 times a day. Chip Griffin: I think I know who that is, but I will, I will let that, I’ve, I’ve actually got a couple of those who are multiple times a day posters. And so my feed tends to be fairly inundated with them all, not necessarily always in a timely fashion. I think, you know, right now, the, as we record this, the, the LinkedIn algorithm seems to prefer not more than one post a day, as far as actually getting, broad distribution. And I can tell you from looking at my own numbers, that it seems to be anecdotally backed up that that on days where I do more than one, they both suffer or all of them. Interesting. If I do more than than two. You know, that said, LinkedIn will keep posts around for a fairly long period of time. Gini Dietrich: It does. Yep. Chip Griffin: So, you know, I don’t necessarily think you even need to be certainly I don’t think you need to post multiple times a day. I think if you’ve got the urge to be creating that much content on LinkedIn, that’s fine. But but do the other things as comments, because those will also bubble up in feeds. Gini Dietrich: They do bubble up. Chip Griffin: Which which you have the added benefit that you’re engaging with someone else who’s got a different audience than you do. So your folks will still see it because it will say Chip Griffin commented on. And so they’re still seeing your thoughts. They’re still seeing you being active. And so to me, my advice would be if you want to be that active on LinkedIn, that’s great. Just use it in the comment field as opposed to creating fresh posts, you know, every two hours. Gini Dietrich: Yeah, absolutely. I will say, though, on the comments that I have noticed this on my own content that there are a certain number of agencies, a handful of agencies who have maybe said to their team, somebody on their team, you’re in charge of LinkedIn and I got advice to be commenting on content. So I’d like you to read these people and then comment on their content as the agency. Nothing wrong with that. However, there are some that are having AI analyze the content, provide a synopsis, and then write the comment. And as the person who is receiving the comment, I can tell that that’s what’s happening. I know every single time if that’s what’s happened. And quite honestly, it makes your agency look dumb. Like it doesn’t, it doesn’t provide any value. It doesn’t provide any thought leadership. It doesn’t provide any value. And there’s no ability for us, for us to engage because it’s literally a robot who is, who has created it. So I will say that if you take the extra time to write a thoughtful comment that allows for engagement, especially on content where, you know, it’s, it’s an influencer that’s going to do business with you. It’s a journalist. It’s, a prospect, somebody who you’d love to do work with. Writing comments that are thoughtful and interesting are going to be so much more effective than having the AI summarize the content for you and write the comment. Please don’t do that. Chip Griffin: Absolutely. Yeah. No, I mean, look, LinkedIn works best like most of most social platforms when you’re being genuine and and authentic to overuse that that term that’s been around for as long as social media has been. And so you need to be directly engaging with people in a way that you’re able to demonstrate what you actually think and who you actually are. Gini Dietrich: Right. Chip Griffin: I mean, it’s okay to, to show a bit of your personality. So if you see my comments on LinkedIn, there’s probably going to be a little bit of snark, sarcasm, and humor in there because that’s generally what I do. And so if I don’t have that, you know, then I’m probably too tired that day to put that effort in who knows. But, but it, it shouldn’t read like AI. It shouldn’t be something you have an intern do. It should be something that you ae doing personally. Even if that means you do a lot less of it, because it really is about the quality of it not the quantity of it. And speaking of quantity, these, these folks who like to spam tag people in their posts, right? Where they, they put together a post and they, and there are two ways. There’s the really awful way, which is at the end, they, they post like three paragraphs and at the end, they just have a long list of people that they’re tagging. Gini Dietrich: Yes. Chip Griffin: That I find to be utterly obnoxious. Yes. And, and it, and 100% agree, and, and I, 99.9% of the time will not take the bait. If I get tagged, I will not comment. I will, I will ignore you. Just stop it. Other people will do it where they, they tag a bunch of people, but it’s in the, they do it in the text like, well, you know, Chip said this and Gini said that, and Yep, yep. Okay. If it, if it actually fits. Okay. But, but don’t, I don’t see the need to just chalk it full of it. I mean, sometimes I will, I will share as I did actually over the weekend. I, I shared an article that Sharon Torek wrote on classification of independent contractors and I tagged her in that because that’s the right thing to do. She had a great resource. I was pointing the resource out and directing people to it. That makes sense. Now, if I had done that and then tagged every other lawyer in the agency field or every other HR person in the agency field, I mean, to me, that would be silly and not productive. So be thoughtful about it. Absolutely tag people when it’s relevant, but don’t just tag people so that you, you know, hope to trick the algorithm or bait people into commenting or whatever. Gini Dietrich: Yeah, I totally agree with you. I’m, I’m the same way where I’m just like, Oh, come on, really? And then you read the comment or the content and you’re like, I don’t know why you tagged me in this. Right. Ah! Yes. Right. Yeah, it’s playing on their audience, which I think is shady. Chip Griffin: Yeah, I mean, and occasionally if you’re trying to be provocative, you know, you know that, I don’t know, you know that I’m opposed to RFPs, you post something, you know, pro RFP, and then you tag me, you know, so what do you think? I don’t love that either, but at least it makes, it kind of makes sense in that context. And, and sometimes I will take the bait on that because I, you know, I can’t help that. Gini Dietrich: Can’t help yourself? Chip Griffin: No, I can’t help myself. Gini Dietrich: Now everyone knows the secret. Just post that RFPs are great. Chip Griffin: Yeah, there you go. Anyway, please don’t do that. Gini Dietrich: I’ll give you a list of things you could post about and tag him. Chip Griffin: It’s probably better to give them a list of things that won’t get me riled up because I am, I am easily provoked. In any case, so, so speaking of being provoked and, and, you know, not necessarily being thoughtful in what you post, let’s talk about politics. And I don’t mean, let’s actually talk about politics, but should people be talking about politics on LinkedIn? Cause I, I mean, I have seen a lot more political posts in my LinkedIn feed in the past few months than probably my entire history of being on LinkedIn. I mean, political stuff used to be relegated to primarily to Twitter, maybe a little bit on Facebook, but LinkedIn was pretty much a, a politics and religion free zone. And it, it seems like it is perhaps because Twitter has its issues, people have decided that, well, might as well share it here. Or maybe it’s the people are buying into this whole concept that people want to know what companies think, which I think is rubbish, by the way. I don’t think people want to know what companies think on issues. Gini Dietrich: I think, I think that this is probably a topic for a different day. I think that people want to understand i if I am pro choice. I want to understand if you are donating money to anti abortion organizations. I think that people do want to know that. And I see this with the kids a lot where they’re like, I’m not gonna, they won’t go to Chick-fil-A. They will not go to Chick-fil-A because they understand that it does not support their values. Doesn’t matter how good their french fries are. These kids will not go to Chick-fil-A. That’s neither here nor there. What I think the challenge is, is you can talk about things that are happening in the world without making it political. So instead of like, Sticker Mule, who a couple of weeks ago sent an email saying, Oh, everybody’s mad because Trump’s a bad guy and I don’t think he’s a bad guy. I think that we should be able to support him and go Trump and here, buy a t shirt. That’s not the right way to do it. If you want to talk about the fact that there was an assassination attempt on him and that we should call for unity, and this is the way that our country is divided as ridiculous, that’s a different message, but saying that I support Trump and I’m scared to say that because I think people are going to come after me is not the right message. So when you think about, and this is, this goes for your clients too. Like when you think about how you’re going to position it, think about it less from a political standpoint and more from a, it’s a value or it’s a stance or it’s like the, the issue. Like I’m against climate change. And I think we should do X, Y and Z. I’m against guns and I think that we should have gun control because of X, Y and Z. So it’s less about the politics and more about the issues. I think that some people do it well, and some people don’t. Sticker Mule’s a great example of not doing it well at all. Chip Griffin: So, so I, I, I think we should add this to our list of topics for a future conversation, talking more about politics generally and, and what agencies should do, how they should advise clients, that kind of stuff. Because I, even though our own politics here are somewhat meshed, I, I think that, my views of how you can talk about politics and whether you should talk about politics may be a bit different than most people. So I, I think that’s probably a worthwhile conversation and out of the corner of my eye I can see you already typing it into our, our shared Google Doc where we have topics. So, but, but I think when it comes to LinkedIn, I, I think you do need to be careful about talking about politics, period, because it’s, it is not the conventional thing to discuss on politics or, to discuss on LinkedIn. So if you are going to do it, you need to be really thoughtful about it, because it is, it, it jumps out at you a lot more when you see it there. Sure. And, and so the reactions are likely to be stronger as a result. If you see someone commenting on politics on Twitter, you’re like, of course, that’s that’s what they do. And maybe you kind of move on. You see it on LinkedIn. And if you disagree with it, in particular, you are likely to have an even stronger reaction, I think, than if you saw the exact same thing posted by the exact same person on another platform. So just be mindful of that, if you’re going to talk about politics on LinkedIn. So in general, I would encourage you not to. I don’t, I don’t think unless it is core to your business, like if you’re running an advocacy firm or something, advocacy agency, of course, sure. Talk about politics, right? I mean, that’s, that’s your key audience, but really think about whether your audience wants to be hearing you chatting about politics on, on LinkedIn. So that would be my general advice there, but… Gini Dietrich: I think generally I would agree with that. Chip Griffin: But we can look at the topic more broadly as well in a future episode, because I think, particularly as we get deeper into political season here in the U. S., how we’re acting as agencies and leaders and how we’re advising our clients, you know, we need to be thoughtful about that, too, because there are a lot of things to take into consideration. But back to LinkedIn. So, you know, the other area that we haven’t, we started the conversation here was on direct messaging on LinkedIn. And so, you know, how do you, how do you go about using direct messages properly on LinkedIn? Gini Dietrich: So I’ve actually noticed a big increase in DMing with journalists on LinkedIn, which has never happened. And probably in the last 30 or 45 days, I’ve gotten more requests there via DM from journalists than anywhere else. So I would say number one, pay attention to that, especially for PR firms, because that seems to be where people are going. I also read a Columbia Journal, Journalism Institute article that said they’re going to Reddit as well. So that’s another thing, but that’s not the topic of today. But I’ve seen a big increase in that. I’ve seen, seen a big increase in, inviting like guests for podcasting and things like that., And I’ve seen a gigantic increase in, we can, and we’ve talked about this before, we can get you 10 to 12 new clients a month. Can we set that up for you? Like, no, I don’t want 10 to 12 new clients a month. No, stop it. I mean, I probably get 10 of those a day. A day, which is crap. Chip Griffin: Yeah. Well, and my favorite is I haven’t heard back from you on this. And you get that more in email because LinkedIn, at least if it’s in mail, you can’t hit someone repeatedly. Email, I get it all the time where people will follow up a few days later. I haven’t heard back from you on this yet. You’re not gonna, cause it’s a dumb ass request and I’m not paying any attention to it. You know, the same thing people want to be guests on this podcast on something that’s not even related to agencies. A, we have never had a guest we’ve been doing this for six years now. We have never had a single guest. So don’t pitch me on get, and by the way, if you’re going to make it relevant to agencies, at least. Gini Dietrich: I got one yes this morning that was, I, I stopped by your facility over the weekend and noticed you could use a cleaning crew. Oh, did you now? Chip Griffin: Cleaning services are all, it’s unbelievable. Who is out there that’s running these janitorial service campaigns that spam people? Because I get it on every email account for all of my businesses right now. I mean, do you need janitors? No, I don’t have an office For any of the businesses I don’t care what and the funny thing is I will get like three of them in a row because I have multiple websites for the different businesses and they all get spammed at the same time Come on guys, this is just stupid Please stop it, knock it off. But if you’re going to do direct messaging, then make sure that you are also making it clear that it is actually a personalized message. So by the way, make sure it’s personalized message. Please, dear God, do not hire these agencies that do it for you. And I’m sorry to any of you agencies out there who may be listening. Please do not run direct messaging campaigns on LinkedIn. LinkedIn direct messages should be from one human to another human. Period. Stop. Just knock it off. It is, LinkedIn is a very inconvenient platform for doing direct messaging on. In fact, if someone messaged me on LinkedIn, I always just say, email me. Here you go. Here’s my email address. I’m happy. I’m like, publish my email address online. It’s not hard to find me. Let’s move it over there because I will be able to respond to you in a more timely fashion. I will not miss messages. If you send it on LinkedIn, I miss them because there’s so much spam in there. I don’t look at them very often. Yeah. It’s hard to mark something for follow up. You know, if it comes into my inbox, I just flag it and say, okay, I can’t respond right now, but I’ll respond at the end of the day or tomorrow morning. Whenever I’m doing my next batch of responses. You can’t do that on LinkedIn. The same reason I don’t accept text messages from anybody. I don’t even give anybody a real text number. Okay, you have the real text number. Fine. I, I, as soon as I started saying it, I could see the gears churning in your head. You were going to, you were going to brag about the fact that you were one of like five people who has my actual real text number. Gini Dietrich: In fairness though, it did take six years to get it. Chip Griffin: Would you like to share with listeners why you got it? We’ll tell that story another day. Gini Dietrich: I would like, I would, I will definitely tell that story another day. Yes. Chip Griffin: In any case, so do we have other advice on LinkedIn while we’re at it or should we just? Gini Dietrich: Yeah, I think it’s, I mean, it’s, it’s don’t be, don’t be gross. Don’t use AI to write your comments. If you’re going to produce new content there, I love the idea of testing out, you know, a topic or an idea. Just as a short post that you discussed in doing that. Repurpose other content, and you really only have to do something once a week. It doesn’t have to be every day. Chip Griffin: Right. For fresh content. I mean, I think youshould be on there every day, commenting, liking, doing things like that. And from a networking perspective, a business development perspective, it’s fantastic because when you hit like on a post, what happens? That person gets a notification. When you comment, what happens? That person gets a notification. When you tag them, they get a notification. You can write recommendations. They get a notification. They get a warm, fuzzy feeling. There are so many things that you can do with LinkedIn to just stay on someone’s radar. And it doesn’t require a lot of, I mean, literally just hitting like. If you’ve got people who you would like to work with, just periodically hit like on one of their posts. I mean, it’s so simple and yet it will keep your name out there. So that they’re like, Oh, right. Gini Dietrich: It’s a great idea. Chip Griffin: Keep it simple. Keep it simple. You don’t, it doesn’t need to be really complicated. Gini Dietrich: Yep. I like it. Chip Griffin: All right. Well, we’ll keep it really simple and draw this episode to a close. I’m Chip Griffin. Gini Dietrich: I’m Gini Dietrich. Chip Griffin: And it depends.

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the pros and cons of using LinkedIn for agency growth and professional engagement.

One challenge that most new businesses face is the awareness problem – nobody knows you exist. To help erase this problem, I've invited Dustin Lien from JumpXmarketing.com back on the show. Dustin first appeared on episode 251 back in 2017. Back then, he was just ramping up JumpX after shutting down his own physical product business. Since then he's grown it into a 6-figure operation and built it in such a way that it only requires part-time attention. What's been his key driver? Partner workshops, essentially virtual lunch-and-learn sessions where he can showcase his expertise and build his client roster without ads or bidding for work. This works in just about any niche and in this episode, Dustin breaks down his exact process so you can go out and apply it in your own business. Tune in to The Side Hustle Show interview to learn: Dustin's fast-track strategy to getting in front of the right audience how he quickly built his email list his top tips for creating warm outreach emails and connecting with customers Full Show Notes: Webinar Marketing: How to Grow Your Agency w/ Virtual “Lunch and Learn” Events Live Workshops New to the Show? Get your personalized money-making playlist here! Sponsors: Shopify — Sign up for a $1 per month trial! Indeed – Start hiring NOW with a $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post!

I'm thrilled to welcome Jay Owen to this episode of Sell With Authority. Jay is the Founder and CEO of Business Builders, and this is a bit of an encore because Jay and I connected a few years ago for episode 777 of Onward Nation. Today's conversation is packed with insights you can apply to your own agency — to help you sell more effectively by focusing on how we help our clients grow as the catalyst for our own success. By leaning in to assist our audience, right-fit prospects, and clients, we can guide them through their most pressing business issues, challenges, and roadblocks. When we help them achieve their most vital priorities, remarkable things happen for them — and for us. Jay's mission, shared by his team, is to help others grow their businesses because when we do that, good things happen. Jay has a vision for assisting other agency owners in overcoming the persistent challenges we all face. Or — more candidly — those issues we repeatedly bang our heads against the wall over. If you take and apply the insights and wisdom Jay shares during this episode — you and your team can find new ways to lean into the recurring issues and challenges your clients face — and then — find new, helpful solutions your clients will value — and value you more in the process. A big dose of gratitude to our presenting sponsor for the podcast, Conduit Digital. By using their expertise in streamlining, upgrading & scaling your clients…they promise to reduce your risk so you can become the best digital agency in your market in 30-days. You can find Conduit and all their helpful insights and smarts here. What you will learn in this episode: How Jay scaled Business Builders from a small agency to a thriving enterprise Internal leadership and management in navigating technological changes Why outsourcing and a contract model can be the key to agility The importance of maintaining core values during tough times Why community and human connection are crucial in today's business world Resources: Website: https://businessbldrs.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayowen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayowen/ Book: https://getjaysbook.com/ How to Build a Business that Lasts, with Jay Owen Additional Resources: Website: www.predictiveroi.com Visit our newly expanded Resource Library Join us in our free How to Fill Your Sales Pipeline Facebook Group Stephen's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephenwoessner/ Order your free paperback or Kindle copy of our Book: Sell with Authority

Forget about revenue for a moment. Consider how much more profitable your agency would be if you optimized your team's time and improved utilization. If you could reduce hiring costs by keeping staff for longer. If you understood the leaky buckets in your outgoings and reduced losses like over-servicing through improved best practice. Manish Kapur, who has over 25 years of experience in creative ops, explains how he streamlines agency operations and boost profit within agencies of all sizes. You'll learn how to improve these 4 pillars within your agency:Leadership - develop your leaders and improve staff retention.People - create consistency in performance reviews and offer clear career progression.Financial Management - plan for the future using forecasts and leading indicators.Process - be agile and get your team following best practices.Follow Manish on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishkapur/Follow Harv on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvnagra/Stay up to date with regular ops insights. Subscribe to The Handbook: The Agency Operations Newsletter.

Do you want to build lasting, supportive professional relationships? Looking for tools and strategies that can help you stay connected with the people who matter most? To discover practical strategies and powerful tools that can help you build a professional network of valuable connections, Brooke Sellas interviews Sunny Hunt.Guest: Sunny HuntReview our show on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today he runs an agency doing $25MM in ARR with around 150 employees.  But–as the story usually goes–this success didn't come overnight & started with much more humble beginnings.  From not getting paid by one of his first clients to gaining traction with small monthly retainers on Fiverr to now running a successful performance marketing agency for SaaS companies, Garrett Mehrguth, CEO of Directive, has learned a forecasting model that's allowed him to scale his agency well beyond those humble beginnings.In today's conversation, he shares:The 2 part financial forecasting model you need to grow your agencyThe common mistake agency owners make regarding executive payHow to set goals that are meaningful, yet attainable, for your teamResources Mentioned in This Episode:An Agency's Guide to Measuring And Improving Billable Utilization (Ebook)Connect with Garrett on LinkedIn Sign Up for Garrett's Agency Academy Course The 3 Benefits of Productizing Your Services w/ Sam Shepler 3 Steps to Owning Your Niche in 90 Days w/ Nick Bennett 5 Steps to Win More Clients with Benchmark Data w/ Chris NaultWant to watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube?Check it out here: Agency Life Podcast on YouTubeWant to get more content to support your agency life? Subscribe to the Agency Life newsletter, check out past episodes & find more content at teamwork.com/agencylife. This podcast is brought to you by Teamwork.com.

How to Grow Your Agency Through Socially Responsible MarketingDESCRIPTION:Wondering how to prioritize inclusivity, emotion, and social impact in your agency's work? Looking for a proven model to follow? To discover the keys to conscious agency growth from a serial entrepreneur who has launched several successful companies, Brooke Sellas interviews Troy Sandidge.Guest: Troy SandidgeReview our show on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do You Feel Like You Don't Have Enough Time in Your Day to Grow Your Agency? ⌛️ Time moves fast as an agency owner — from client meetings to finalizing pitch angles, there's always something that needs your attention!

How do you succeed as a start-up? How do you grow your agency from 20 to 100 people? How can you carve your niche in the market?  In our last episode of Agency Growth Stories, Emily Heyward, co-founder of Red Antler – the leading creative agency for startups and new ventures, including Hinge, Prose and AllTrails – shares her insights on these questions and more.  Emily was named among the Most Important Entrepreneurs of the Decade, a Top Female Founder and one of the Most Powerful Women of 2019 by Inc. Magazine and Entrepreneur Magazine.

In a sharp contrast to the earlier pandemic years, many agency owners said that in 2023, they have the best teams they've ever had and want to find ways to keep them around. This is great news, and we want to help keep your agency dream team alive and thriving.   To help in that journey, HR expert Barbara Mason joins me to share what agency owners and leaders can do to help make their employees feel like valued team members while staying true to the agency's mission and values. She is a fountain of knowledge — from interviewing best practices and why HR experts need to be a part of your business to how to create the agency culture you want while caring for your agency employees as whole people. She'll even share her top 3 secret interview questions she uses to get potential hires thinking about how they fit into the agency's mission and values. This episode is full of practical and common-sense tips that will hopefully get the gears going and help you keep your agency dream team alive and thriving in 2024 and beyond. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Two simple things that will help you keep your agency dream team happy Transparency goes a long way with agency employees, but know the limits What makes a healthy agency culture? How more introverted business owners can engage and connect with their employees How benefits packages have changed post-Covid Creating agency culture in a hybrid or fully remote environment The importance of knowing what you're hiring for and interviewing accordingly Motivating agency employees to be more engaged in the work HR's role in having a succession plan for the business Interview best practices for agency leadership Exercising radical candor in agency communications Employment trends to keep an eye on in 2024 The biggest mistake agency owners make with their people

As we embrace 2024 with enthusiasm, it's crucial to focus on strategies that drive growth and success. Today, I'm excited to share insights that have helped over a hundred agencies reach seven figures and beyond. These tactics are distilled from the wisdom of industry leaders and my experiences in scaling digital marketing agencies. [...] The post Agency Growth 2024: Key Digital Marketing Strategies appeared first on Seven Figure Agency.

Are you too busy working in your agency to grow your agency? Wondering how to reclaim time to strategize? To discover how to free up valuable time by strategically delegating parts of your role to trusted team members without sacrificing client satisfaction, Brooke Sellas interviews Atiba de Souza.Guest: Atiba de SouzaReview our show on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In my latest video, I dive into a strategy that's been a game-changer for my agency and could be for yours too. It's about leveraging Joint Ventures (JVs), a powerful play for those ready to step up their game in a meaningful way. The Impact of Joint Ventures Think of JVs as a [...] The post Joint Ventures in Digital Marketing: Elevating Your Agency's Growth appeared first on Seven Figure Agency.

On this episode of THRIVE — sponsored by E2M Solutions— Kelly and Alyson Caffrey discuss the critical nature of rest and time off for strategic agency growth.Alyson Caffrey and I cover these points and more:Recognizing the signs of burnout in agency owners;Implementing breaks to set boundaries and prioritize self-care;The importance of intentionally building systems and processes;How to get started with a plan for rest as a business owner; andThe benefits of taking time off to recharge.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes of THRIVE to get practical tips on becoming a conscious leader, growing your agency, and more. Thanks for listening, and I'd love to hear your takeaways!If you enjoyed this episode, post it in your stories and tag me @kelly.l.campbell. And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen.Learn more about THRIVE at https://klcampbell.com/podcast/ and https://www.e2msolutions.com/thrive/ CONNECT WITH ALYSON CAFFREY:Operations AgencyLinkedInInstagramCONNECT WITH KELLY CAMPBELL:LinkedInInstagramTwitterWork with Kelly 

Welcome to the first in a series of five bonus podcast episodes. I've created this podcast mini series to show you how you can develop an entrepreneurial mindset in your agency account managers, so they can: - help increase the lifetime value of clients - generate more referrals - help you maintain a healthy sales pipeline In this first short episode, I'll be tacking the 'elephant in the room'. Why do you feel your account managers are not spotting those growth opportunities? And over the next four episodes, I'll then be looking at the key qualities for entrepreneurially-minded account managers. By the way, everything I'll share in this podcast series is covered in my Account Accelerator programme and ultimately it's designed to build an entrepreneurial mindset in account management. You can read more about the programme here: https://www.accountmanagementskills.com/account-accelerator Or if you'd like to have a conversation about how I could potentially help your account managers, please email me jenny@accountmanagementskills.com. Let's have a chat and see if this might be suitable for you or members of your team.

What are you concerned about as you plan ahead for 2024?How will next year be different than this year?These were among a few of the topics we discussed this week in a rare in-person recording with Peter Coppinger, Co-Founder and CEO of Teamwork.com, during his recent trip to Denver.You see, before Teamwork.com was the growing SaaS company we are today, serving agencies with a platform to run client work, Peter and his Co-Founder, Daniel Mackey, were doing client work–building a web design agency that eventually led them to start building the platform we provide to thousands of customers today.In this conversation, you'll hear:The 3 consistent stages of growth in scaling an agency.  What are they and how do you recognize which stage you're in.The utilization benchmarks Peter recommends from his own agency experiencePeter's take on the age old question: to niche or not to niche (especially in this economic environment)His take on whether or not you should be embracing AI as an agencyResources mentioned in today's conversation:Download The Ultimate Guide to Scaling Your AgencyGet your copy of The State of Agency Operations Report (2023)Connect with Peter on LinkedInThe 12 biggest mistakes our web agency made — and how we fixed them Want to get more content to support your agency life? Subscribe to the Agency Life newsletter, check out past episodes & find more content at teamwork.com/agencylife. This podcast is brought to you by Teamwork.com.

Are You Responding to the Right RFPs to Grow Your Agency?

Are You Leveraging the Power of Mentorship to Grow Your Agency?

Need more help? Visit www.chriscostantini.com Send me an email for consulting info: chris@adelfiainsurance.com Follow me on Instagram for more behind the scenes! @christheinsuranceguy @adelfiainsurance 

Learn how to grow your agency business and take it to new heights with the expert guidance of Troy Dean. Gain valuable strategies. The post Grow Your Agency Business with Troy Dean appeared first on LMScast.

Taking over a successful family agency comes with plenty of challenges.  The most important one at the top of the list is not screwing up the whole thing.  While that might be a broad and overwhelming notion, the fear of creating that reality is inescapable.  But what if the exact opposite happened instead and you grew the agency to a level no one could ever imagine?  Well, that's exactly what happened to Josh Morey, President of The J Morey Company and Chairperson of Ori-gen, during his first three years calling the shots. 

Have You Set Your Agency Up to Reach Your Biggest Growth Goals?

Shanice Miller is a business productivity consultant, specializing in project management, who helps clients ranging from small startups to multi-million dollar businesses save hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars. Her passion for identifying and solving inefficiencies began when she sold her first business, an educational consultancy that had been recognized in Forbes and BET. Over the last 10 years, Shanice has used her ability to identify operational inefficiencies and create solutions to not only help save her clients' businesses (and hairlines), but also to fall in love with them again.

Jim Huffman is the CEO of GrowthHit, a growth marketing consultancy specializing in running customer-centric growth experiments. He is also the Co-founder of One Day Design, Handsome Chaos, and is the Host of the podcast If I Was Starting Today. Jim is the author of the Amazon bestseller The Growth Marketers Playbook using his experience from growing two startups to over $10M in sales. In addition to these accomplishments, he has led workshops at Fortune 500 brands, including FedEx, Oreo, and Intuit.Jim is a Startup Mentor at Techstars. In this episode… Growth marketing is one of the most essential services agencies can offer their clients. However, to provide professional services, you must develop a structured growth plan for your agency. So how can you scale your business to optimize your services and maximize sales?  When structuring his agency for growth, Jim Huffman referenced Nathan Barry's framework for wealth creation. This model regards agency growth as a ladder in which you begin as an employee, start to market services, productize those services, and then sell products before progressing into a SaaS platform. The wealth creation ladder allowed Jim to productize growth as a service by offering his clients web pages, ads, and emails. By implementing this approach, you can scale effectively and generate new clients. Listen to this Inspired Insider Podcast episode with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, featuring the Founder and CEO of GrowthHit, Jim Huffman. They discuss Jim's strategy for vetting companies for product-to-market fit, how he structures his agency and company culture, and setting up a marketing funnel to drive conversions. 

How do you leverage relationships to get results for your clients? How can you leverage an acquisition to grow your agency faster? Today's guest has a lot of experience in targeted product sampling and built her agency around taking products directly to consumers. It's an industry where getting the product into the hands of the right influencers will make all the difference and your success will hinge on building the right relationships. She also used acquisition to grow her agency faster and tells us it's not as daunting as it seems. Laurel Rundle is the founder of Aha! Marketing, an agency focused on targeted product sampling. They deliver millions of samples to consumers each year to thousands of locations by putting clients' brands at the center of human interactions already happening. They've worked with companies like Gerber, Gillette, and Dove to drive trial and awareness of their brands. In this episode, we'll discuss: Working with big brands to get their products in consumers' hands. Leveraging partnerships and influencers. Using acquisition to grow your agency faster. Podcast Takeover!! Get to know your Smart Agency Guest Host:  Dr. Jeremy Weisz is the co-founder of Rise25, an agency that helps companies launch and run podcasts profitably. He followed Jason's podcast and eventually joined the mastermind and has been a guest on the podcast before. Today, he's helping Jason bring something new to the Smart Agency podcast audience by interviewing a special guest and bringing a new perspective to the show. Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design and development agency that has provided white label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher | Radio FM Starting a Digital Agency Based on Consumer Behavior Laurel had worked in retail but was not very aware of product sampling when she went to an interview at Samples Incorporation of America. She got the job and worked there for many years. By the time she left she developed an interest in consumer behavior. She went right to starting Aha! Marketing, which is her digital agency focused on consumer behaviors with the goal of getting as many samples out as efficiently as possible.  Her agency works across brands, categories, and audiences which makes the work very interesting. It is a fun business for her and she loves figuring out each campaign depending on the product and where they find the preferred consumers. Every brand campaign is delivered through one of their proprietor networks. Potential consumers aren't approached randomly but rather a part of a carefully selected group. Finding the Right Influencers for a Product Launch If you're searching for restaurants online and a friend recommends one, you'll probably go to the one your friend recommends. That is the same response Laurel and her team tries to recreate by working with influencers. There's nothing quite like trying a product yourself. However, opportunities for this had been limited during the pandemic. Now, two years later, there are many renewed opportunities to get in front of consumers. One of the markets where they've been making a lot of progress is new moms. They typically reach expecting and new moms through OBGYN practices and a network of midwives and doulas. Influencers normally have many questions about the product quality, brand, and logistics of receiving the products. If you are prepared to answer these questions and they like the product, you'll make a very valuable relationship. These influencers are people who normally have a close relationship with new moms so their recommendations are at the top of their considerations. Her agency works with other agencies as well as with brands directly. It involves a lot of detailed logistics to get the brands out there. If they agree to recommend the products, influencers are expected to provide feedback and probably photos. Finally, the number of samples depends on the brand. Some are sent to hundreds of locations and others to thousands of locations. Working With Brands To Do Targeted Product Sampling When it comes to working with the brand, it starts with the type of campaign they're trying to build to determine the best approach for a particular product. Some other basic information includes how many samples they're sending and how many consumers they want to reach. For some campaigns, they rely on intermediaries. For instance, for one campaign they targeted people at gyms and had intermediaries approach the trainers to recommend the product to their clients. They got feedback from both the intermediaries and the consumers. They usually recommend brands add a QR code on the packaging of the sample because it helps drive responses. Furthermore, they often organize photo contests with cash prizes. They did it recently with Dove samples and they got back really creative photos of people in bubble baths with the soap. They can also add an offer or coupon, which works based on the brand's target audience, product, and which offers have previously seen some success with their audience. This is done with a survey gathering useful information. If possible, Aha Marketing likes to have the opportunity to work with the brand around how a sample is designed. They have an interest in the packaging and how it relates to the sample distribution. For example, is it in a tube or a packet? How efficiently can they pack it? Can they reuse material? But not all campaigns involve a physical product. They recently worked with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association in a campaign to educate new moms on the importance of beef as a first food. The campaign had educational purposes and included white papers for the physicians and displays for their waiting rooms. Acquiring Another Agency to Grow Faster Last year, while in the Goldman-Sachs program, Laurel had the opportunity to acquire another company in her space. The program helped her realize how this opportunity could really help grow the agency faster. It solved a lot of things for them, like getting access to some larger accounts and acquiring clients that complemented the ones they already worked with. Most agency owners find the prospect of buying an agency too daunting a task. Of course, it does involve a lot of preparation but Laurel maintains it was the best decision for their growth. She was careful to involve trusted experts to give her the best advice possible. Other than that, she let the numbers tell the story. By the time she had the right offer, she knew she couldn't let it pass. The deal was structured in a way that she couldn't lose. She even recalls it as a fun process from which she learned a lot. Want the Support of Amazing Digital Agency Owners? If you want to be around amazing agency owners that can see you may not be able to see and help you grow your agency, go to the Digital Agency Elite to learn all about our exclusive mastermind.

Are you making yourself irrelevant in your agency? We've been talking a lot lately about how important it is to have systems and processes in place so you can work less and get back to doing the parts of agency ownership that you love. But if you or anyone in your agency becomes irreplaceable, you will be stuck in your 60-80 hour work weeks. This week, our guest Jesse Gilmore gives us a thorough breakdown of how to identify single points of failure in an agency—Hint: it's often the agency owner—and how we can create a better flow that helps everyone work together more successfully. When we give our employees the tools they need to work effectively and delegate with other team members, our whole workflow improves no matter who's out of the office that week. A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How to identify single points of failure in your agency If you're the single point of failure, how do you make yourself more irrelevant? Why removing single points of failure is vital for scaling your business How to create systems and processes that aren't cookie-cutter solutions How to carve out time in your already busy schedule to put systems in place What is the difference between a bottleneck and a single point of failure? Timing out changes to your agency's systems and processes How removing single points of failure can improve agency culture

Have you ever taken the time to figure out what are the most profitable services your agency offers?You may be surprised at which ones are costing you money and which ones are making you money.On today's show, Liz Cortes from RebelFish Local talks about why you should Delete Services to Grow Your Agency.In this episode, Liz explains:• Her journey to deleting services and how it helped her agency grow• How to increase retainers• Why dropping prices for clients makes sense sometimes• How big one off projects are tempting but do not explain your actual month to month revenue picture

Take a look into the complex world of automation and learn how to get more referrals that tell a real story on this new episode of Agent's Growth Academy Podcast. Our host, Jim Schubert, is delighted to bring an expert on running the numbers and co-founder of Rocket Referrals: Torey Maerz. Torey and his brother have done the work to create a system that bridges across all platforms and gives concise and accurate feedback on who's willing to refer you, who may do it again, and puts in place tested forms that acquire detailed responses. Listen in today and learn about the real reason you should be getting referrals, the right way to identify a need for a business, and an example of how one automated birthday card made all the difference.3 Key TakeawaysWhy your job isn't to be the hero of your client's story What to ask instead of “How did you hear about us?”The importance of story in referralsAbout Torey MaerzTorey Maerz, CEO, Rocket ReferralsTorey co-founded Rocket Referrals with his brother, Carl Maerz, in 2013. Throughout his career, Torey has spent 20+ years building software and leading technology teams in a variety of businesses across a range of industries—from education to asset management.ResourcesLeave AGA a review!Sales ideas to give backWebsite: rocketreferrals.com (Torey recommends a demo; get talking with someone!)The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert CialdiniLoyalty 2.0 [The Ultimate Question] by Fred ReichheldBuilding a Story Brand by Donald MillerGet 15% off of a purchase for yourself at Mountain Mallow, use code: growbigSlack